Manchester City completed a commanding domestic double after overwhelming Brighton in the FA Cup final, adding the trophy to their Women’s Super League title in emphatic fashion at Wembley.
The champions delivered a second-half surge that turned a competitive contest into a one-sided finale, with goals from Bunny Shaw, Alex Greenwood, Aoba Fujino and substitute Vivianne Miedema securing their first FA Cup triumph in six years.
Brighton Start Brightly But Fail to Capitalise on Early Dominance
Despite the final scoreline, Brighton began the match with confidence and intensity, troubling City repeatedly in the opening half-hour and creating several clear chances that went unconverted.
Fran Kirby, Kiko Seike and Madison Haley all found themselves in promising positions as City struggled to settle, with defensive uncertainty and loose passing giving Brighton early momentum.
However, Brighton’s inability to convert their dominance into goals would ultimately prove decisive, as they squandered multiple opportunities before City fully asserted control.
Shaw Sparks City Comeback After Brighton Misses Pile Up
City’s breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Bunny Shaw rose highest in the box to head home, shifting the rhythm of the match after sustained Brighton pressure.
The goal marked a turning point, with Shaw not only breaking the deadlock but also becoming central to City’s attacking flow for the remainder of the contest.
Fresh from a dramatic week in which she committed her long-term future to the club, the Jamaican forward once again demonstrated her importance, directly influencing the tempo and direction of City’s attacking play.
Greenwood and Shaw Drive Momentum as City Take Control
After the opener, Manchester City began to assert themselves more confidently, with Alex Greenwood playing a pivotal role in set-piece situations and attacking build-up.
Greenwood later doubled City’s advantage with a composed finish from a free-kick situation, further punishing Brighton’s defensive lapses and deepening their frustration.
Shaw remained at the heart of City’s dominance, combining physical presence with creative link-up play as Brighton struggled to contain her influence.
Brighton Collapse Under Pressure as City’s Depth Takes Over
As the second half progressed, Brighton’s earlier energy faded and City’s superior squad depth began to show, especially in attacking transitions and wide play.
Aoba Fujino extended the lead after a sharp attacking move, cutting inside and finishing clinically despite tight defensive pressure.
Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced several saves to delay the inevitable, but she was eventually overwhelmed as City continued to apply relentless pressure.
Miedema Seals Final as City Complete FA Cup and League Double
The final blow came late in the match when substitute Vivianne Miedema rose to head home City’s fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory and confirming the scale of the triumph.
Brighton, who were appearing in their first major final, were left to reflect on missed opportunities from a promising first half in which they failed to convert six clear chances.
For Manchester City, however, the result marked a perfect conclusion to a season defined by domestic success, tactical control and squad depth, as they capped their campaign with silverware at Wembley.
